Park Beom-gye "Kim Oh-soo Fully Qualified as Prosecutor General"... "There Are Claims He Is Not a Suspect"

Minister of Justice Park Beom-gye. [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seok-jin] Park Beom-gye, Minister of Justice, evaluated Kim Oh-soo, nominee for Prosecutor General, on the 6th, saying he "has sufficient qualifications to become the head of the prosecution."

Minister Park stated this on the morning of the same day while heading to the Government Complex Gwacheon, in response to reporters' questions about the reason for recommending Kim as the candidate for Prosecutor General, explaining, "He is well-versed in both investigation and administration, having served as a frontline chief prosecutor, deputy prosecutor general, and vice minister of justice."

Regarding concerns about Kim's political neutrality, he said, "The issue of political neutrality is extremely important and a very significant concern of President Moon Jae-in," adding, "Political neutrality is a depoliticization in a broad sense that encompasses the diverse perspectives of our people, political circles, and the media."

He continued, "I believe there will be an opportunity later to explain what I think political neutrality of the prosecution entails."

Minister Park also shared his thoughts on the personnel reshuffle in the prosecution after the new Prosecutor General's inauguration.

He said, "I think it will be the first large-scale personnel reshuffle," adding, "We will create detailed and objective criteria and, once Kim assumes office, we will consult thoroughly and listen to opinions."

He further added, "We will formalize the procedure of hearing the Prosecutor General's opinions and ultimately respect the will of the President, who holds the personnel authority."

In response to questions about Kim being a subject of investigation in the 'Kim Hak-ui illegal deportation' case, Minister Park said, "It is a bit much to say he is under investigation," and added, "Some say that Kim is not a suspect."

He also evaluated Kim's statement last week that he would "not receive any reports related to ongoing cases" in light of the case, saying, "He expressed his intention not to receive reports on ongoing investigations during the confirmation hearing preparation period, which I think is very good."

On the 4th, after some media reported that the Supreme Prosecutors' Office sent official letters to major prosecution offices nationwide, including Suwon District Prosecutors' Office investigating the 'Kim Hak-ui illegal deportation' case through the Anti-Corruption and Strong Crime Division, instructing them to report ongoing cases, and that Kim might receive investigation updates on cases he is involved in, Kim stated, "I will not receive any reports related to ongoing cases, and if I assume office as Prosecutor General in the future, I will recuse myself from cases involving conflicts of interest."

Meanwhile, regarding recent conflicts between the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency (Gong-su-cheo) and the prosecution, Minister Park was cautious, saying, "Since the purpose of Gong-su-cheo's launch is prosecution reform, checks and balances, there are limits to the Minister of Justice directly intervening in the scope of investigative authority or referral relationships."

However, he left room for possibility, stating, "Since the Ministry of Justice is the competent authority for criminal legislation and its interpretation, and I was actively involved in the legislation of Gong-su-cheo's establishment, if both agencies agree, I could unofficially provide the Ministry of Justice's opinions."